FCH 2 - JTI Fuel Cells and Hydrogen

The public-private partnership „Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking” was established at the beginning of the 7th Framework Programme as a Joint Technology Initiative (JTI) and has been prolonged for the duration of Horizon 2020 and until 2024.

The general objective of the "FCH 2 JU" for the period of 2014-2024 is to develop a strong, sustainable and globally competitive fuel cells and hydrogen sector in the Union, in particular to:

reduce the production cost of fuel cell systems to be used in transport applications, while increasing their lifetime

increase the electrical efficiency and the durability of the different fuel cells used for power production, while reducing costs,

increase the energy efficiency of production of hydrogen from water electrolysis while reducing capital costs,

demonstrate on a large scale the feasibility of using hydrogen to support integration of renewable energy sources into the energy systems, including through its use as a competitive energy storage medium for electricity produced from renewable energy sources.

Organisation

The JTI is implemented by the „Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCH JU)“. Members of this public-private partnership with its registered office in Brussels, are the EU, represented by the European Commission, the European fuel cells and hydrogen technologies industry represented by the „Hydrogen Europe“ and the R&D community, represented by „N.ERGHY“, an association of European research institutes and universities doing research on fuel cells and hydrogen technologies

Basis

On July 10, 2013, the European Commission has issued the proposal for the prolongation of the FCH JU for the period 2014-2024. This proposal has been discussed in the European Parliament and adopted by the Council on May 6, 2014.

Based on a Strategic Resarch Agenda the JTI will implement a ten-year programme for research funding, that will be open for all EU member states and associated states. The total funding amounts to 1.33 bn Euro, of which 0.66 bn EUR from Horizon 2020 and the rest as the contribution of the Joint Undertaking’s member companies and other institutions participating in the activities of the JU.

Calls for proposals

On July 9, 2014, the FCH2 JU has published its Multi-Annual Workplan for 2014-2020 and its first call for proposals under Horizon 2020. Information on current calls is available on the EU Commission's Participant Portal and on the FCH JU website.